An Ocala woman is behind bars after deputies say she blasted her 83-year-old stepfather with soapy water, then repeatedly stabbed him inside their home on Saturday morning. The 83-year-old was rushed to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and listed in stable condition, according to authorities. Deputies jailed 45-year-old Jennifer Gill on an attempted second-degree murder charge.
How Deputies Say The Attack Unfolded
Investigators with the Marion County Sheriff's Office say Gill used a spray bottle filled with soapy water to temporarily blind her stepfather before attacking him with dull bread knives and hitting him with his own cane, according to WOAI. Gill's mother reportedly found the victim in the kitchen, bleeding heavily, and rushed him to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. The report says he suffered around a dozen stab wounds, including seven to the back of his head.
Arrest Affidavit And Booking
The arrest affidavit cited in the report states that Gill admitted she had thought about killing her stepfather for years and told deputies, "I wish to God they would've been sharp as f***," NEWS4SA reported. Deputies said they found probable cause to charge Gill with attempted second-degree murder and transported her to the Marion County Jail, according to the agency's online booking overview (Marion County Sheriff's Office).
What The Charge Means
Under Florida law, attempted second-degree murder applies when someone commits an act that is imminently dangerous and shows a depraved mind, with the separate concept of an inchoate "attempt" addressed in the state's statutes and standard jury instructions, according to The Florida Bar. Prosecutors will determine whether to file formal charges and what, if any, sentence enhancements to seek, and the potential penalties depend on how the offense is classified under state law.
Next Steps
As of this writing, Gill remained in custody at the Marion County Jail while investigators and the state attorney's office review the affidavit and other evidence. Members of the public can track booking information and related court records through the sheriff's inmate search and public records tools (Marion County Sheriff's Office).
